Former Gordon Brown Aide Michael Ellam Appointed to Lead UK-EU Relations Reset

Michael Ellam returns to the Civil Service to guide closer economic and security ties with the EU under Keir Starmer's government.

Michael Ellam, a former spokesman for Gordon Brown, has been appointed as second permanent secretary for European Union and international economic affairs in the UK Cabinet Office.
Ellam will oversee the EU relations secretariat and lead discussions with the EU and international groups like the G7 and G20.
This role is part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's efforts to improve post-Brexit relations with the European Union, focusing on trade and security cooperation.
Ellam previously worked at HSBC for over a decade, where he served as chairman of public sector banking, bringing extensive financial expertise to his new position.
His appointment is one of several recent moves by Starmer to bring experienced figures from the New Labour era into key government roles.